Wilson Tigers Crew

Wilson Crew was the first high school rowing team started in DC; it was founded in 1985. It remains the only public school rowing program in DC. Students from other DC public schools can and do join the team.  We have had rowers attending Alice Deal JHS, the School Without Walls and Benjamin Bannekar HS. Even though the program attracts students from other schools, because rowing is only offered at one DCPS, the program does not receive any money from the school system, nor does it receive funding from the PTSA or other school body. Wilson Crew Boosters, Inc. was established to manage the team and all aspects of the business and volunteer management.

The coaches are employed by the Boosters, and receive a small monthly stipend. Their value to the team is many, many times greater than what we can afford to pay them.

The team is divided into 4 squads – the varsity women, the varsity men, the novice women and the novice men. Each squad has a coach, and each varsity squad also has an assistant coach.

Winter training is very important for the conditioning of the athletes: varsity athletes begin training in November, novice in January. The coaches have scheduled practice so that each squad gets an equitable share of time on the ergs and with weight equipment.

At the end of February, the athletes will begin rowing “on the water”. Because we do not have enough boats for all rowers to be on the water at the same time, the coaches have worked out a schedule to share the equipment and will explain it to their squads. Typically one squad will have a mix of practice times – such as two mornings and three afternoons.

If you remember nothing else about practice, remember to be on time. The boat will not go out if everyone is not there. It’s not like soccer or football where the coach will put in a sub. Out of respect for your teammates and coach, BE ON TIME.